CVE-2026-1246 ShortPixel Image Optimizer <= 6.4.2 - Authenticated (Editor+) Arbitrary File Read via 'loadFile' Parameter
Authenticated editors can read arbitrary server files via path traversal in ShortPixel Image Optimizer, potentially exposing sensitive credentials.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- An administrator
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-1246?
CVE-2026-1246 is a medium-severity path traversal vulnerability in ShortPixel Image Optimizer – Optimize Images, Convert WebP & AVIF, published on 5 Feb 2026. An attacker needs administrator access to exploit it, with no action from the victim.
Official description
The ShortPixel Image Optimizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Read via path traversal in the 'loadFile' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 6.4.2 due to insufficient path validation and sanitization in the 'loadLogFile' AJAX action. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Editor-level access and above, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information such as database credentials and authentication keys.
Weakness: CWE-22
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-1246?
How do I fix CVE-2026-1246?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-1246 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2026-1246 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-1246 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-m3h6-h8v2-vr8w.